Hi All,I am looking for ideas/input on a under chassis storage box I am going to make for my 5er. First off what I am looking at accomplishing is storing my Ladder and BBQ Grill. If I can get those 2 items out of my 5er's basement it will help out tremendously. Before it starts I realize that I could eliminate a lot of my stuff and not have a problem with room. That is not the point of my question. I want to be able to store these things outside of the basement if possible. I am looking at building an 8" X 24" storage box to mount under the frame rails out of 3/16" aluminum. It will have a door access on both sides (One side to pull out the ladder the other side for the Coleman grill and maybe the patio rug). I have done all of the measurements and it will all fit.My question is in the picture below I have shown the approximate location. Do you guys have any input on problems I may encounter by locating it there? I sit high enough that I think it will work ok but I just want to make sure I haven't missed something.The yellow line is where I propose to mount it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but do you mean (8" X 24") 8 x 24 (feet or inches?) Double quote is inches. Single quote is feet. If inches, that's pretty small, only 8 inches by 2 feet? But, 8 feet wide by 24 feet long, that's pretty big? The dimensions of length and width are not so critical. However, (if 8 x 24 feet) and you have to access under the floor, you may have a challenge removing the box (which may never happen).I'd be more concerned about how "deep" the box is. You need to make sure you have enough clearance between the bottom of the box and the road so you won't drag it. So it really depends upon how "deep" you make it. Your idea should work, I don't see any reason why it should not. It looks like you already have a storage container under there. If you go with the same depth, I don't think you'll have any problems. with either ... 8 x 24 inches or 8 x 24 feet!

DutchmenSport wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong, but do you mean (8" X 24") 8 x 24 (feet or inches?) Double quote is inches. Single quote is feet. If inches, that's pretty small, only 8 inches by 2 feet? But, 8 feet wide by 24 feet long, that's pretty big? The dimensions of length and width are not so critical. However, (if 8 x 24 feet) and you have to access under the floor, you may have a challenge removing the box (which may never happen).I'd be more concerned about how "deep" the box is. You need to make sure you have enough clearance between the bottom of the box and the road so you won't drag it. So it really depends upon how "deep" you make it. Your idea should work, I don't see any reason why it should not. It looks like you already have a storage container under there. If you go with the same depth, I don't think you'll have any problems. with either ... 8 x 24 inches or 8 x 24 feet!The box will be 8 inches tall by 24 inches wide by approximately 8 feet deep. So basically from the side view it will extend down 8 inches from the frame (approximately the same depth as the other storage mounted there) and be 24 inches wide as shown in the yellow square on the picture I posted. It will also extend across the 5er and be accessible from either side hence the 8 feet.Steve

I've just completed the installation of a undercarriage cabinet, 40"w x 9"h x 11' long. It terminates in front of the axle, and carries a port note (a folding boat). Not wanting to stress the already flimsy frame, I fabricated some .125" angle iron with mounting plates that bolt into the I-beams. From that I hang the two 11' trusses, and bolt angle iron across the bottom every 30", used .375" ply on the bottom with a laminate flooring to reduce scratching, and used coroplast for the sides.Hope this helps.

slomark wrote:I've just completed the installation of a undercarriage cabinet, 40"w x 9"h x 11' long. It terminates in front of the axle, and carries a port note (a folding boat). Not wanting to stress the already flimsy frame, I fabricated some .125" angle iron with mounting plates that bolt into the I-beams. From that I hang the two 11' trusses, and bolt angle iron across the bottom every 30", used .375" ply on the bottom with a laminate flooring to reduce scratching, and used coroplast for the sides.Hope this helps.How far forward (Towards the front) does it go. My only fear is dragging the compartment when transitioning up hill since mine will be so far forward. Mine will end about 32" behind the landing gear.Steve

slomark wrote:I've just completed the installation of a undercarriage cabinet, 40"w x 9"h x 11' long. It terminates in front of the axle, and carries a port note (a folding boat). Not wanting to stress the already flimsy frame, I fabricated some .125" angle iron with mounting plates that bolt into the I-beams. From that I hang the two 11' trusses, and bolt angle iron across the bottom every 30", used .375" ply on the bottom with a laminate flooring to reduce scratching, and used coroplast for the sides.Hope this helps.Bet you meant 10ft Porta-Bote ;-)

Storage Box Input | Good Sam Community

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
May 15, 2015
4x4FF wrote:
Per the certified Cat scales fully loaded I was right at 22K. GCWR for me is either 23K or 23.5. I don't have the sheet in front of me. Rear axle is about 500 below its rating too.

I realize I am right at my limits but this was full fuel and loaded for a trip.

Steve

Point is you are at limits just for regular camping trips.

Full time....will need to go on diet :B
4x4FF
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Per the certified Cat scales fully loaded I was right at 22K. GCWR for me is either 23K or 23.5. I don't have the sheet in front of me. Rear axle is about 500 below its rating too.

I realize I am right at my limits but this was full fuel and loaded for a trip.

Steve
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
May 15, 2015
I've weighed it and I'm ok.

07 39' Pilgrim Open Road 5th Wheel
'07 F250 King Ranch with a 'sick-o' (6.0L Diesel)

Doesn't that 39' Pilgrim have a GVWR 15K?
Doesn't that F250 have a GVWR 10K?

I know my 07 3500 CTD with GVWR 10,100 was at ratings towing 14K (13,830# actual) 5vr.
4x4FF
Explorer
May 15, 2015
filrupmark wrote:
My input would be to weigh your rig before adding more storage. As far as clearance goes there may be some railroad tracks in small towns that could cause an issue.

I've weighed it and I'm ok. The only thing I would be adding is a sheet of aluminum. The other things I already carry, just in the basement. Good point on the railroad tracks.

The thing that makes me wonder is I've seen these newer 5th wheels where the front is super close to the ground.

Steve
filrupmark
Explorer
May 15, 2015
My input would be to weigh your rig before adding more storage. As far as clearance goes there may be some railroad tracks in small towns that could cause an issue.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
May 15, 2015
4x4FF wrote:
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Dragging it/banging it/whacking it would be my concern when transitioning curb-ways/driveways/angled sites/some roadways.

I'm just surprised at all the stuff that folks carry.

We Full Timed and EVERYTHING we owned was with us. We'd pull into a site, set up and then watch weekenders set up. It was like a circus clown car...stuff just kept coming out and coming out and coming out. :B

All of our stuff packed up I could open any compartment and see it all.

But hey....your rig...your stuff.

Nice box & sewer storage. New one will fit right in...just concerned about road clearance.

I appreciate your input. I plan on full timing within the next few years myself and realize space is at a premium. I am one of those who likes to repair things myself and I tinker a lot. I want to have access to a decent ladder (little giant type) and obviously a BBQ grill. These are the 2 big items that take up way to much space but don't want to be without. Once they are 'out of the way' I should have no more issues.

Steve

IF planning on Full Time..............then less is MORE

You will find that you really don't need near as much stuff as you think.
IF I didn't actually use an item for 6 mos.....out!
Man was there a bunch of 'need, gotta have' that was unloaded after first 6 mos. on the road.

I carried a small ladder plus a Weber BBQ (22" Smoking Joe).
We FT'd for 7 yrs. and not once did I feel 'Dang wish I had this/that' or 'should have kept this/that'

Hope your plans work out.
Full Time travel was awesome. Just wish we had done it sooner.

GO when you can and enjoy!
4x4FF
Explorer
May 15, 2015
slomark wrote:
Sorry I misunderstood your clearance comment, the initial thought was that if the cabinet profile is less than the bottom of the axle and the sewer drain then everything would be okay. Will be taking it out for a test next week.

Please let me know what you find!!! I guess my concern is when you start going up a hill where the TV front is pointed up and the landing gear area gets 'pushed' down.

The box that I make will start about 30"-31" behimd the landing gear.

Steve
4x4FF
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Dragging it/banging it/whacking it would be my concern when transitioning curb-ways/driveways/angled sites/some roadways.

I'm just surprised at all the stuff that folks carry.

We Full Timed and EVERYTHING we owned was with us. We'd pull into a site, set up and then watch weekenders set up. It was like a circus clown car...stuff just kept coming out and coming out and coming out. :B

All of our stuff packed up I could open any compartment and see it all.

But hey....your rig...your stuff.

Nice box & sewer storage. New one will fit right in...just concerned about road clearance.

I appreciate your input. I plan on full timing within the next few years myself and realize space is at a premium. I am one of those who likes to repair things myself and I tinker a lot. I want to have access to a decent ladder (little giant type) and obviously a BBQ grill. These are the 2 big items that take up way to much space but don't want to be without. Once they are 'out of the way' I should have no more issues.

Steve
slomark
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Sorry I misunderstood your clearance comment, the initial thought was that if the cabinet profile is less than the bottom of the axle and the sewer drain then everything would be okay. Will be taking it out for a test next week.
slomark
Explorer
May 15, 2015
It's a 12' porta bote, and extends 14" beyond the front compartment. There are no issues with clearance, I set up a jig to check this prior to installation.

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